5S and Visual Controls

© 2005 RIB Consulting 1

 What is 5S?

• 5S is a method to improve and sustain workplace organization

• 5S represents 5 disciplines for maintaining a visual workplace (visual controls and information
systems).

• These are foundational to continual improvement and a manufacturing strategy based on "Lean
Manufacturing" (waste removing) concepts.

• Reduces clutter

• Reduces the time it takes to look for tools and equipment

• “A place for everything and everything in its place”

• Improves how the operation appears to customers – always be “tour ready”

• Creates pride in the workplace

• Many companies have a standard that any tool must be able to be found within 30 seconds.

© 2018 RIB Consulting 2

 5 Elements of 5S

• Workplace Organization

• Sort
• Remove all unnecessary materials and equipment
• Straighten
• Make it obvious where things belong
• Shine
• Clean everything, inside and out
• Standardize
• Establish policies and procedures to ensure 5S
• Sustain
• Training, daily activities,
• Safety (often called “6S” or “5S + 1”)
• A safety commitment in all activities

© 2018 RIB Consulting 3

The Good, Bad and the Ugly

Gemba without 5S

© 2018 RIB Consulting 4

The Good – After 5S

© 2018 RIB Consulting 5

 After 5S

• Clear, shiny aisles

• Color-coded areas

• Posted processes, metrics and other current information

• Always “customer tour ready”

© 2018 RIB Consulting 6

 5S Examples

After 5S - Cleaned, organized

and drawers labeled (less time
Before 5S and frustration hunting)

© 2018 RIB Consulting 7